Murali Vijay hits gutsy half century; Test evenly poised

London, July 19: India lost three wickets in quick succession but fought back through Murali Vijay's gutsy half-century to take their overall lead to 145, leaving the second Test against England interestingly poised, here today.

At stumps on third day, India were 169 for four despite a solid 78-run second wicket stand between Vijay (59 batting) and Cheteshwar Pujara (43).

Murali Vijay plays a shot off James Anderson during the third day

Vijay is in company of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who survived a hostile spell from Stuart Broad to remain undefeated on 12 off 51 balls having added crucial 46 runs with Vijay for the fifth wicket.

The Tamil Nadu opener has shown tremendous patience during his 190-ball knock today which had seven fours but more impressive was his decisiveness while leaving deliveries outside the off-stump.

With England batting deep, it will be interesting to see what kind of target is set by the Indian batsmen. India will be aiming for a lead of 250 plus in order to make a match of it on a Lord's track which will then help Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Co to exploit the conditions.

It was 6/82 was the main reason for India getting England out for 319 in their first innings thereby restricting the first innings lead to 24.

For England, it was Liam Plunkett, who started the collapse by first inducing a nick from Pujara, who again looked good for a big knock. Virat Kohli (0)'s error in judgement cost him dearly as the delivery he left jagged back enough to clip the bails.

From a relatively comfortable 118 for one, India were reduced to 123 for four in a space of three overs. First innings centurion Ajinkya Rahane then got a howler from umpire Bruce Oxenford as a rising delivery from Stuart Broad hit his arm-guard before lobbing up as Matt Prior ran from his position to dive forward and complete a catch.